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Lynton Crosby, the Tories’ controversial election adviser, has signed a £500,000 contract to work for the party full time. Under the deal the Conservatives also get a support team and polling services provided by Mr Crosby’s business partner, Mark Textor.

The move will delight many Tories, who see the Australian strategist as the key to ending Labour’s long-running lead in the polls and seeing off UKIP.

Mr Crosby, who masterminded Boris Johnson’s re-election as London mayor, had been working for the party part-time. Mr Johnson had urged the Prime Minister to “break the piggy bank” to secure his services.